Fly Angola CEO Calls for Reforms as State Dominance Hinders Private Aviation Investment
Angola’s aviation sector stands at a crossroads, with Belarnicio Muangala, founder and CEO of Fly Angola, voicing strong concerns over the persistent dominance of state control across the industry. In a recent interview, Muangala highlighted how the government’s grip on airlines, airports, and ground services continues to stifle private sector investment and innovation, ultimately limiting the full potential of Angola’s aviation market.
Fly Angola, established in 2018 as the country’s leading private airline, has long sought to carve out a space in a landscape overwhelmingly shaped by state-owned giants such as TAAG Angola Airlines and Sonair. These two carriers, backed by significant government resources, dominate scheduled air traffic and benefit from preferential access to infrastructure and subsidies, leaving private operators at a distinct disadvantage .
Muangala’s critique is rooted in the reality that Angola’s aviation value chain—from flight operations to airport management and ground handling—remains tightly controlled by state entities. This environment, he argues, discourages private capital and entrepreneurial risk-taking, as regulatory barriers and limited market access make it difficult for independent airlines to compete on a level playing field .
Despite these challenges, Fly Angola has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The airline used the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to overhaul its fleet and secure a local Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), a move that underscored its commitment to long-term growth and compliance with international standards.
However, the broader market context remains challenging. The lack of financial incentives and the dominance of state carriers have forced Fly Angola to scale back its ambitions, including the recent cessation of domestic operations due to economic headwinds and insufficient support.
Muangala’s call for reform centers on three pillars: transparency, liberalisation, and fair competition. He advocates for a regulatory environment that welcomes private investment, encourages innovation, and ensures that all players—public and private—compete under the same rules. Such reforms, he believes, are essential for unlocking Angola’s aviation potential and attracting the capital needed to modernise fleets, expand route networks, and improve service quality.
The CEO points to international examples, such as the transformation of aviation sectors in other African markets, where liberalisation and open competition have led to increased connectivity, lower fares, and greater choice for consumers. In Angola, however, the state’s pervasive role has resulted in a market where private airlines struggle to access financing, secure profitable routes, and operate efficiently .
Fly Angola’s experience illustrates the broader challenges facing private aviation in the country. While the airline has introduced new services, including out-of-schedule charter flights and attempted expansion into interprovincial routes, the absence of a supportive policy framework and the slow pace of payments for state-subsidised tickets have created persistent cash flow issues.
These obstacles have made it difficult for Fly Angola and other private operators to sustain growth and compete with state-backed rivals.
Muangala’s vision for the future is one where Angola’s aviation sector is characterised by openness, efficiency, and partnership between public and private stakeholders. He believes that reforms aimed at reducing state intervention, streamlining regulatory processes, and fostering a more competitive environment will not only benefit private airlines but also drive broader economic development, job creation, and improved connectivity for Angolan travellers.
For Africa’s travel industry professionals, the situation in Angola offers important lessons. The balance between state oversight and private sector dynamism is crucial for building a resilient, innovative, and customer-focused aviation market. As regional integration and cross-border travel become increasingly important, Angola’s ability to attract private investment and foster competition will play a key role in shaping the future of air transport across Southern Africa.
With Fly Angola’s CEO leading the call for change, the spotlight is now on policymakers to embrace reforms that can unlock the sector’s full potential. The coming years will be critical in determining whether Angola’s aviation industry can transition from state dominance to a more open, competitive, and investor-friendly environment—one that supports sustainable growth and positions the country as a true gateway for African air travel.
